Dioptase with minor Calcite
stock #6.2-923
Tantara Mine, Shinkolobwe, Kambove District
Haut- Katanga,
Democratic Republic of Congo (Zaire)
6.2 x 5 x 4.3 CM (cabinet)
price: $800
new year 2021
Brilliant gemmy Dioptase crystals with intense emerald green color cover the face of the matrix. From the Haut Katanga area of the D.R.Congo, this fine older specimen has the top luster and color more like that sought after in Tsumeb specimens. More recent Dioptase finds tended to be more matte luster or had stepped faces, with much less flash. This is great for the locality and a classy Dioptase from any place. The crystals are very well-defined and reach 1.3 CM. In person this is a strong display specimen with color that is impossible to appreciate on a computer screen. Overall in very good condition, there is some chipping at the outer edges but most of the important crystals are perfect and the display impact is not diminished.
Dioptase
stock #12.1-017
Tantara Mine, Shinkolobwe, Kambove District
Haut-Katanga Province,
Democratic Republic of Congo (Zaire)
3.3 x 2.8 x 1.8 CM (small miniature/ large thumbnail (toenail))
price: $240
Emerald green and glassy Dioptase crystals in a very nice cluster from the Tantara Mine (Katanga). The largest crystal is just under 2 CM, there is no matrix just pure Dioptase in very good condition as seen. The Dioptase from Congo does not have the ultra bright luster of a fine Tsumeb specimen but can be a bit brighter than many from Kaokoveldt. This piece is of that sort, better in person and quite esthetic. Congo Dioptase is not often available, it seems to be found every decade or so in small batches and then there are none for years. This was mined in 2012.
Dioptase
stock #8.1-295
Tantara Mine, Shinkolobwe, Kambove District
Katanga (Shaba),
Democratic Republic of Congo (Zaire)
8.9 x 7 CM (cabinet)
price: $1250
An incredibly attractive mineral! Brilliant and lustrous crystals to 1.5CM with top color are packed in a vug that is rimmed with Dioptase and some blue Shattuckite. No damage to the display area and main crystals but there are a few tiny contacts at the outer edge of the piece that are not easilly seen. Really a killer for form and with bright, wet looking luster, this is a great value for the price. I have not seen anything of this quality in any recent lots from the DRC.
